Nagaland: 13th NDVFA Inter-District tournament kicks off

The 13th edition of the Nagaland Veteran Football Association (NVFA) Inter-District Tournament commenced on Tuesday, at Old Showuba local ground, Niuland, with participation from ten districts across the state. The tournament is being organised under the theme “Kick in football, Kick out ism”.
The representing districts include Chümoukedima District Veteran Football Association (CDVFA), Dimapur District Veteran Football Association (DDVFA), Kohima District Veteran Football Association (KDVFA), Peren District Veteran Football Association (PDVFA), Mokokchung District Veteran Football Association (MDVFA), Mon District Veteran Football Association (Mon DVFA), Phek District Veteran Football Association (PDVFA), Niuland District Veteran Football Association (NDFVA), Wokha District Veteran Football Association (WDFVA), and Zunheboto District Veteran Football Association (ZDFVA). The league matches will be played across two grounds, with each match scheduled for 60 minutes.
The opening match of the tournament saw defending champions KDVFA taking on Mon DVFA, with KDVFA securing victory 7-0.
Delivering his address as the special guest at the inaugural session, Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, described the occasion as a “special day for all Nagas”, and noted that this marked his first public address after the signing of the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) agreement, which he termed as a historic and significant milestone. “God alone designs and shapes the future of the Naga people”, he stated.
Emphasizing faith and acceptance, he said that Nagas must accept reality and trust that God’s purpose was ultimately for our good, while also opining that the present moment is a test of Naga brotherhood.
He questioned how strongly Nagas desire to remain united, cautioning that disintegration and continued division could one day render the very identity of “Naga” extinct. Calling for unity beyond divisions, Nienu urged the people to abandon “isms” and live as one Naga family.
He asserted that attempts to divide Naga people reflect misplaced faith and called upon individuals to introspect and strengthen their faith in God.
He also observed that festivals, sports and cultural events should be used as platforms to promote brotherhood and unity.
Azo further maintained that emotional integration alone was insufficient to unite the Nagas, underlining the need for physical and spiritual integration as well. He stated that the need of the hour is to strengthen the Naga people collectively and highlighted the crucial role veterans can play in guiding and uniting society.
Expressing concern over the prevailing social and political unrest in the state, Azo lamented on the emergence of multiple factions, leading to increased taxation, extortion and incidents of kidnapping, which he described as a “sad affair.”
Azo also highlighted the importance of health, particularly after the age of 45, remarking that “health is like a crown that only the sick can see”, and encouraged all to actively engage in sports, exercise and physical activities to maintain fitness.
He also lamented that Nagas have become a nation without discernment or regret, repaying evil for good and remaining complacent about it, something he said was contrary to Biblical teachings.
He thereby called upon the Naga people, especially political leaders, to realize, repent and adopt a culture of repaying good for good and good even for evil.
Concluding his address, Azo stressed that the blessings of today’s actions should overflow to the next generation and reminded the gathering that the legacy one leaves behind is far more important than the status one holds at present.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kumrila H Yimchunger and Sotsula L Kussun, invocation offered by Rev. B Tochumong, welcome address delivered by NDVFA president Yimso Yimchunger.
A brief address was also delivered by NVFA president Anthony Ngullie, while oath-taking ceremony was administered by joint secretary NVFA, Dr. Hau, and a special number by Adila and cultural presentations by Tsünso Cultural Club.